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SAN BERNARDINO, CA – Community Action Partnership of San Bernardino County (CAPSBC) is urgently seeking new members to serve on its Community Action Board (CAB). Currently, there are three vacancies in the following sectors: Public Sector, Low-Income District 1, and Low-Income District 5. All applicants requesting consideration to represent these sectors on the board must reside in San Bernardino County. Board members provide critical input, expertise and perspective to CAPSBC in the organization’s work of supporting, advocating for and empowering residents to achieve self-reliance and economic stability.

Any applicants requesting consideration to represent the vacant Low-Income District 1 on the Community Action Board must reside in the Supervisorial District 1 which includes the following cities: Adelanto, Apple Valley, Hesperia, and Victorville. Any applicants requesting consideration to represent the vacant Low-Income District 5 on the Community Action Board must reside in the Supervisorial District 5 which includes the following cities: Rialto and portions of Colton and San Bernardino. Applicants need not be low-income themselves as long as they are selected in a manner that ensures that they truly represent the poor.

Board meetings are held at 11:30 a.m. on the third Tuesday in January, March, May, July, September, and November. Meetings are typically held at CAPSBC’s Administrative Office located at 696 S. Tippecanoe Ave. in San Bernardino. However, due to the pandemic, Board meetings are temporarily being held virtually.

If you are interested in applying or nominating an individual to serve on our Board, complete the nomination form for the specific sector along with the additional required documents. All documentation must be returned to our office by mail or email as soon as possible since we have an urgent need to fill these vacancies. The following information pertains to the specific board vacancies, board job description, and the required nominee profile and nomination forms that each interested candidate must submit:

We look forward to your support in assisting us to identify the best candidates to represent the low-income residents on our Board of Directors. If you have any questions or need more information, please contact Xiomara Henriquez-Ortega, Manager of Administrative Support, via email at xhenriquez@capsbc.org or call (909) 723-1525.

By Carrie Stanton

Did you know that most DMV transactions are currently being handled online? The newest options available may allow you to complete the driver’s license knowledge test from the comfort of your home before visiting a DMV office.

If you’re renewing your license with a knowledge test requirement, or are an adult taking it for the first time, the DMV offers two resources – a remote version of the traditional knowledge test, and an interactive eLearning course. Eligible customers are prompted to choose the remote knowledge test or eLearning course after filling out the online driver’s license application and paying the fee.

Currently, the remote knowledge test is available for the nearly 2 million tests taken by Californians renewing their license each year, the more than 1.3 million tests taken by adults getting their license for the first time who also don’t have a California identification card and Californians getting a REAL ID or motorcycle license for the first time. The eLearning course is available for Californians renewing their license.

The newly offered eLearning course can be taken on a computer, laptop, tablet, or mobile device and is available 24/7. There are seven interactive modules that must be completed, including quizzes, after each module. The eLearning course takes approximately 45 minutes and is currently only available in English.

When you choose to use an online testing resource, it significantly saves time by eliminating the need to wait in line and take your test in a DMV office. Customers with a testing requirement for their license are still required to go to a DMV office after completing one of the online options to provide the required identity and residency documents, take a photo, provide a thumbprint, complete a vision screening, and be issued a licensing document.

The online knowledge test is available in 35 languages to customers who have an internet-enabled computer or laptop with a webcam. The test cannot be taken on a tablet or mobile device. Customers can begin the online exam between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, excluding state holidays.

For identity verification and as a fraud prevention measure, online test participants are required to verify their identity and agree to be monitored throughout the exam.

The test can be attempted online twice. If a customer fails to pass the test after two tries, they will be prompted to go to a DMV office to take the test a third time.

This is just one more example of how the DMV is modernizing to add more convenient services online that used to be only available in an office. Checking things off your DMV to-do list is now a lot faster . It all starts here: dmv.ca.gov.

LOS ANGELES, CA—- You’re invited to be our guests at “JOY ALL DAY” presented by BET on Saturday, July 2nd at the Orpheum Theatre in New Orleans! This star-studded event kicks off at 8:30 am where the party begins when you step on site. Doors officially open at 9:00 am followed by a motivational fitness and dance party led by Tai Beauchamp, Kym Whitley and Tina Lifford.  Get ready to grow beyond your limiting beliefs, discover your innate power and align with your authentic self.

Pampering experiences, including aromatherapy and mini facials, will be provided by MELE and Sienna Naturals.

For the afternoon, the party continues at 12:30 pm once you step on site. Doors reopen at 1:00 pm, when the “Play All Day” Party gets started with beats from DJ Spinderella! You can engage with your favorite BET and BET+ stars – the cast of Sistas and The Ms. Pat Show, as they will be in the building for a meet and greet, exclusive conversations, and more. Come and get your fun on in our “Play” areas which includes Rise-n-Fly Spades and Bid Whist, Rubik’s Cubes, Connect 4, Jenga, prizes and more!

So, Slay and Play with BET…All for FREE!

MEDITERRANEAN SEA—-Aviation Ordnanceman Airman Temani Wallace, left, from Houston, and Aviation Ordnanceman 3rd Class Marvin Barrett, from Rancho Cucamonga, California, move food in the hangar bay of USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75), during a replenishment-at-sea with USNS Supply (T-AOE 6) and USNS Robert E. Peary (T-AKE 5), June 17, 2022. The Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. Naval Forces Europe area of operations, employed by U.S. Sixth Fleet to defend U.S., allied and partner interests.

RIVERSIDE, CA— The Inland Empire chapter of Democratic Socialists of America held a rally Saturday calling for “free abortion, on demand, without apology” in response to the Supreme Court decision overturning landmark abortion rights case Roe v. Wade.

Over 100 people attended the event, which began at Riverside’s Cesar Chavez Memorial. Organizer Angel Huipo said, “The Supreme Court has violated the will of the people and 50 years of precedent. We will not stand by and watch our rights be stripped from us. Stand up, fight back!”

IE DSA co-chair Anabel Nevarez spoke as well stating that, “The Democrats are worse than useless,” Nevarez said. “I am not here to tell you to vote more or vote harder. This June election, we saw lower voter turnout from Democrats in general. Why is that? Because in the 2 years Biden and Democrats in Congress have been in power, little has been done by the Democrats to address the needs of working-class people.”

Member Ren Miles concurred. “The Democratic party is just as complicit as the Republican party through their inaction. For those who blamed the people and told them to vote. We voted. We voted for Democratic leadership as the lesser of two evils. Evil is still evil, and they did nothing to stop this.”

Following speeches, the crowd marched through downtown Riverside. Chants included, “They say no choice! We say pro-choice!” and “Voting blue is not enough! Democrats, we call your bluff!”

The rally followed a Planned Parenthood vigil on Friday which drew several hundred people and numerous similar events across the country.

By Antonio Ray Harvey | California Black Media Partners

Several members of the California Task Force to Study and Develop Reparations Proposals for African Americans received a standing ovation from constituents of the State Legislature last week for their work over the last 12 months.

During the opening of legislative sessions at the State Capitol in Sacramento on June 16, members of the Senate and Assembly participated in the gesture that coincided with the kickoff of the state’s official Juneteenth 2022 commemorations.

“The task force, without a doubt, is probably one of the most important task forces not only in the state, but this nation, dealing with the horrors of slavery,” said Sen. Steven Bradford (D-Gardena), chair of the California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC). “This task force is a reflection of California’s leadership and progressive nature that made a commitment to help bridge racial division and advance equity.”

Bradford, who was appointed to the task force by Senate President Pro Tem Toni Atkins, made his remarks on the Senate floor after fellow task force panelist Assemblymember Reggie Jones-Sawyer (D-Los Angeles) delivered similar comments in the Assembly chambers.

Seven of the nine task force members and staff from the California Department of Justice (DOJ) were recognized at the event.

Task force members attending the ceremony were chairperson Kamilah V. Moore, a Los Angeles-based attorney, reparations scholar and activist; vice-chair Dr. Amos Brown, a civil rights leader and respected Bay Area pastor whose journey to leadership started under the tutelage of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr in the 1960s; Dr. Cheryl Grills, a professor at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles; Lisa Holder, a nationally recognized trial attorney.

Attorney Don Tamaki, Esq., an attorney best known for his role in the Supreme Court case of Korematsu v. the United States and the only non-Black member of the panel, was also in attendance.

Atkins and Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon met briefly with the panel.

Task force members Monica Montgomery Steppe, a San Diego Councilmember and Dr. Jovan Scott Lewis, chair of the Department of Geography at the University of California Berkeley, could not make the trip due to prior commitments.

Several members of the CLBC attended the function, which coincided with the passage of resolution in recognition of the Juneteenth holiday in the Assembly.

Assemblymembers Chris Holden (D-Pasadena), Mia Bonta (D-Alameda), Jim Cooper (D-Elk Grove), Lori Wilson (D-Suisun City), Akila Weber (D-La Mesa), Mike Gipson (D-Carson) and CLBC vice-chair Sen. Sydney Kamlager (D-Los Angeles) showed up to support the task force members’ efforts.

The Task Force first convened on June 1, 2021, to conduct an examination of the lasting consequences of discrimination against freed slaves and their descendants.

Under Assembly Bill (AB) 3121, authored by then-Assemblywoman Shirley Weber, who is currently Secretary of State of California, the nine-member panel is charged with making recommendations for how the state can compensate Black Californians who are descendants of enslaved African Americans.

On June 1, the task force released its first interim report, a 483-page document compiled by the California Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Enforcement Section.

“The information in the interim report reveals uncovered facts about incidents that disproportionately and negatively affected Black Californians in California for 170-plus years and the country for the last 400 years,” Grills said.

“Until we have a reckoning with the truth, we cannot understand who we are as a nation. When we then begin to have that kind of reckoning, I think the specific manifestation of the harm will be easier to deal with and we will actually have an opportunity for transformative change,” Grills continued.

Over the next 12 months, Moore told California Black Media (CBM) that the task force will focus on bringing increased awareness for the interim report, community engagement, and formulating a framework of how California should compensate around 2 to 2.6 million Black Californians.

“It’s important that the California legislature understand how important this effort is,” Moore told CBM. “This past year we’ve been working incredibly hard. The next (12 months) I categorized it as the development stage where the nine-member task force has substantive and intentional conversations about what reparations should look like.”

Video link of Sen. Steven Bradford and Dr. Cheryl Grills at the state capitol in Sacramento:  .California Task Force For Reparations at State Capitol 6.16.2022

By Edward Henderson | California Black Media

For Black drone pilots, e-commerce package delivery going aerial could present new earning or business opportunities for them.

Last week, Amazon announced that its customers in Lockeford, a town of about 3500 people in San Joaquin County, will become among the first to receive Prime Air deliveries via drone.

The tech company, the world’s largest e-retailer, chose Lockeford because of its historic links to the aviation industry.

“Lockeford residents will soon have access to one of the world’s leading delivery innovations,” said Assemblymember Heath Flora (R-Ripon), whose district includes the town. “It’s exciting that Amazon will be listening to the feedback of the San Joaquin County community to inform the future development of this technology.”

Amazon’s drones fly up to 50 miles per hour and can carry packages of up to 5 pounds as high as 400 feet in the air.

Blacks and the Drone Industry

Technology and aviation industry watchers say drone pilots are in high demand right now and they predict their demand will keep increasing.

The Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI) estimates that by the year 2025, at least 100,000 jobs will be created for drone pilots. Multiple companies are set to spend over $16 billion on drones over the next eight years, with advertising agencies, construction, and security firms being among the first.

According to the Economic Research Institute, the average pay for a drone pilot is $71,669 a year and $34 an hour in California. The average salary range for a drone pilot is between $50,891 and $88,659. Entrepreneurship related to drone piloting creates opportunities, experts say, for generating new streams of income and establishing new businesses that support the industry.

Jeffery Howell, a Navy officer currently stationed in San Diego, began his journey with drones when his wife gifted him one for his birthday last year.

“At first I was nervous,” said Howell. “I’ve never really flown a drone before, so I started watching YouTube videos back-to-back, learning about the qualifications to fly drones legally and weight classes. As I delved deeper into it, there is a whole different world and community out there.”

Over time, Howell became more comfortable piloting his drone and was interested in connecting with other pilots who looked like him. Eventually, he stumbled upon the Facebook group, ‘Black Drone Pilots,’ and connected with a community of over 300 pilots nationwide who not only shared his budding passion but were making a living with it.

On the weekend of June 11, Black drone pilots held inaugural meet-and-greets in five different cities nationwide. Howell attended the event in Newport Beach and had the opportunity to network and fellowship with local pilots.

“I was amazed at the brothers and sisters getting together just having a good time flying,” he said. “You could tell that the ones who weren’t as knowledgeable were getting pointers from the more experienced pilots. It was a beautiful thing to see.”

Inspired by his new network of professionals, Howell decided to start his own drone photography and video company ‘Air Speed Aerial Productions.’ To start his business, Howell needed to attain his Park 107 certification through the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). All drone pilots must take and pass this test to receive their commercial licenses. The test costs $175 to register and there are several online guides to help study for it.

Licensed drone pilots and entrepreneurs like Howell are a welcomed sight within an industry that still has room to grow in terms of diversity. There are 250,000 drone pilots certified with the FAA. Ten percent are Black and only 3% are Black women.

Ashlee Cooper is a certified drone pilot who founded ‘Droneversity,’ a Delaware-based organization that teaches teenaged youth about the fundamentals, opportunities and innovations within drone piloting and aviation, more broadly.

“Aviation careers have always been a white male dominated field,” said Cooper. “Unless you were in the military or related to a pilot, it was unlikely you were going to tap into those positions within the aviation industry. Most of them do not require a high school or college degree.”

Youth are eligible to take the Park 107 exam at the age of 16. Cooper’s company provides courses to help them take and pass the exam as well.

“Most of these young girls and boys are gamers. They take naturally to flight. The skillset is marketable. Like gaming, it takes hand-eye coordination and knowing how to operate under pressure and solve problems quickly.”

Cooper, who also is a member of Black Drone Pilots, transitioned from her background in Molecular Biology to drone piloting during the pandemic. Her experience with secondary education created inroads for her organization to reach teenagers and help inspire them to pursue drone piloting as well.

“I still feel like I’m late, however I know my timing was divine especially because of who’ve I’ve been able to help. Being a Black woman in this industry has led to some incredible partnerships and networking. There is an opportunity as long as we provide equitable access. By making it more accessible, you have more innovators.”

You can connect with Black Drone Pilots’ Facebook page here to follow their updates, get a listing of future events or learn how you can begin your own journey to drone piloting.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA— Six recipients of the 2022 San Bernardino County Classified School Employees of the Year (CSEY) were recognized during a June 15 event at Dorothy Inghram Learning Center in San Bernardino.

“I am honored to be recognizing our San Bernardino County Classified School Employees of the Year. Each honoree embodies what it means to be a servant leader,” said County Superintendent Ted Alejandre. “We are celebrating these individuals who characterize excellence in transforming lives through education.”

Since 2008, the California Department of Education has offered the Classified School Employees of the Year program to highlight exemplary employees. Award recipients are nominated by their school districts and selected by a countywide judging panel. The San Bernardino County recipients are automatically submitted for consideration at the state level.

The six honorees, by category, selected for 2022 are:

• Paraprofessional—Julie Maloney is a library media technician at Valley Elementary School with the Yucaipa-Calimesa Joint Unified School District. Having served in the position for six years, her colleagues, in their nomination, shared that she is a positive, energetic force who inspires students to challenge themselves in their reading efforts. During the summer of 2021, Maloney created a mobile library that allowed parents drive-through access to check out reading materials and textbooks. When COVID restrictions resulted in a library closure, she completely revamped the library, which allowed teachers to have easy access to multiple levels of small group intervention reading materials. She was instrumental in receiving hundreds of books for the students.

• Clerical and Administrative Services—Stacy Gillespie is the assistant principal secretary at Ruben S. Ayala High School with Chino Valley Unified School District. She has served in the position for eight years. Gillespie is well-known and a vital member of her school and community. She has been a student advocate, a club advisor and the school’s spirit advisor for six years. Gillespie leads the school’s Advanced Placement Testing by organizing and executing a seamless testing season each school year. She also volunteers to assist and support events and organizations that benefit the students and community.

• Food and Nutrition Services—Jeffrey Jungnickel is a child nutrition delivery driver of seven years with Yucaipa-Calimesa Joint Unified School District. His peers and co-workers shared that he is always there to meet the needs of all 12 kitchens with no request too small. Jungnickel has been quick to adjust his personal time to receive calls to check on equipment, and he does not hesitate to make himself available 24/7 in case of emergency. He is lauded by staff for being cheerful, positive, cooperative and supportive. He has been effective in explaining and providing insight on policy and procedures.

• Custodial and Maintenance Services—Joseph Davis is the lead custodian at Park View Middle School in the Yucaipa-Calimesa Joint Unified School District, a position he has held for seven years. His fellow team members said Davis takes great pride in keeping the campus clean and ready for students. He works collaboratively with staff to determine the best way to keep students safe and healthy. Davis also provides ongoing training and support to his team to build their capacity and knowledge base. His colleagues describe him as a creative problem solver and a leader, and he is well respected by the members of the custodial staff and the entire school.

• Health and Student Services—Brandy Osborn is a health technician of five years who serves at Competitive Edge Charter Academy with the Yucaipa-Calimesa Joint Unified School District. In her nomination, fellow team members shared that while Osborn may be called a school nurse, a better description would be “school mom.” Her effort is noticed by all staff members and, more importantly, by the students. Osborn is calm, confident and maintains a positive attitude when dealing with difficult situations, even when she may be facing an angry parent or scared student. Her unflappable positivity helps students feel safe and cared for.

• Technical Services—Jon Duncan is an information technology support specialist of eight years at Etiwanda High School with Chaffey Joint Union High School District. Duncan’s co-workers and peers have said that he is an amazingly hard worker and have commented on how much they appreciate him and what he does daily. No matter how big or small the issue is, Duncan is patient and helpful to everyone, regardless of their tech level or ability. He truly cares about the school and that is reflected in his work ethic. His co-workers appreciate that he is the type of person who will not leave until the job is done. During the pandemic, Duncan’s job and importance to the campus increased exponentially. All teachers and students relied heavily on technology, and he graciously supported all, even remotely.

This year’s honorees each received a $250 dollar check from the event’s corporate sponsor, SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union. The awards ceremony was also livestreamed on the SBCSS YouTube channel.

For more news and information, visit the SBCSS Newsroom and follow us @SBCountySchools on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube. #transforminglives.

YUCAIPA, CA—- Crafton Hills College (CHC) transfer student José Aaron Rosales is packing his bags and heading to Harvard University in the fall.

The Rialto resident received the news via email on March 31 while having dinner with family at a Texas Roadhouse.

“It was such a hard week after burying my grandmother, and here I am bawling,” the 33-year-old recalled after opening his acceptance letter on his cell phone. “I turned the phone to my wife and showed her what it said. She gave me a big hug. Only a few people knew I applied because it was not a guarantee I’d get in.”

Rosales is a first-generation college student, and he credits the height of the COVID-19 pandemic for changing the trajectory of his life. Rosales said the pandemic was “an eye-opener.”

“I was limited in what I could do to help without a medical background,” he said. “So, my wife and I talked about me going back to school.”

Rosales connected with two nonprofits dedicated to providing military veterans like him with an accelerated, clear path to college. He decided on CHC after hearing about their high transfer rate.

Rosales said both resources worked with him to prepare application requirements for consideration. As a result, 954 applicants were accepted into Harvard, and Rosales was one of only 18 veterans included.

Rosales is preparing to move back east to attend the university with his wife, Christina, and eight-year-old daughter Audreyana. He expects to graduate with the Harvard Class of 2026 with a bachelor’s degree in Physics. After graduation, Rosales plans to attend medical school and eventually give back to the veteran community.

“I couldn’t have done any of this without the support of my family, the nonprofits I worked with, and Crafton,” Rosales said. “It was a team effort.”